Responding to COVID-19
As the ACRES Project prepares to gradually restart in-person programming, the health and safety of our participants, staff, and community is our #1 priority. Here's what we're doing to welcome you back safely:
Our COVID-19 Safety Plan
• The temperatures of everyone entering ACRES will be checked with a contactless infrared thermometer upon arrival. Those with a fever, history of illness, or potential exposure to COVID-19 will not be permitted to attend.
• Face masks are required for everyone while inside the building. We understand that wearing a mask can be difficult for those with sensory needs, but it is a skill that can be learned, and it is important to help keep everyone safe!
• Programs will take place outdoors in our large green space when feasible. Some of our programs, including self-advocacy groups, have been moved entirely online via Zoom.
• Participants will be reminded to wash or sanitize hands upon arrival at ACRES and to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from others they do not live with.
• When it is safe to resume in person Day Program (when Centre County maintains "moderate" or lower risk of community spread for at least two weeks), attendance will initially be limited to no more than 10 adults, including aides, present at one time.
March 2021 Updates
While we can see the light at the end of the tunnel as vaccines roll out, many of our in-person programs, including Day Program, will remain on hiatus until Centre County is no longer experiencing "substantial" community spread of COVID-19 as determined by the PA Department of Health. Once Centre County maintains a "moderate" or lower risk of community transmission for at least two weeks, we will gradually restart in-person programming. We know that many of you miss ACRES, and we miss you, too! We can't wait to see you all again soon.
COVID-19 Resources for the Autism Community
Autism Speaks has compiled a great collection of free online resources from the COVID-19 Autism Research Community Task Force to help people with autism and their loved ones navigate the challenging new world created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The site contains a wide variety of ready-to-use, evidence-based tools and tips specifically designed for use by adults with autism, their families, and professionals. Links include tips on working from home, mental health resources, videos on making mask-wearing more tolerable for those with sensory needs, at-home exercise programs, and many, many more resources for a wide variety of support needs. We encourage you to make use of this valuable resource and hope that you find it helpful.